Can the Hurricanes beat the Blues at Eden Park?
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
The race to the finals continues with the eight teams in action confirming their line-ups for Round 14.
It starts in Hamilton with the Chiefs hosting the Highlanders on Friday, with the visitors needing a win to stay in touch with the top six.
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The Chiefs have moved Damian McKenzie to fullback with Josh Jacomb in at first five while the Highlanders had a win last week and also have plenty of talent out wide. However they are missing Jona Nareki who is serving a one week ban.
On Saturday, finals time comes early for the Fijian Drua and the NSW Waratahs, with the victor in Suva staying alive for another week.
Top-of-the-table Hurricanes are away to the third placed Blues at Eden Park with a few key changes to both sides
Anton Segner starts for Dalton Papali'i who has a suspected broken jaw and Beauden Barrett swaps with Stephen Perofeta into starting at five five with the latter going to the bench.
The Hurricanes have bought back in star lock Warner Dearns, Ruben Love at first five and Jordie Barrett at second five and left Josh Moorsby out of the 23 for the clash.
Brad Shields is on the side of the scrum for the injury Du Plessis Kirifi as his side tries to beat the Blues twice this season.
The Brumbies, Crusaders and Moana Pasifika all enjoy the bye this week.
Chiefs v Highlanders
FRI 15 MAY: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (19:05)
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Siona Ahio, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalakai Foketi, Kyle Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Damian McKenzie
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Benét Kumeroa, George Dyer, Fiti Sa, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Isaac Hutchinson
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Tomas Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, Nikora Broughton, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Taniela Tele'u, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley
TMO: Brett Cronan
Blues V hurricanes
SAT 16 MAY: Eden Park, Auckland (19:05)
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Malachi Wrampling, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Laghlan McWhannell, Torian Barnes, Che Clark, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Brad Shields, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Ereatara Enari, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Jone Rova, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Richard Kelly
